San Francisco links mental health with parks

UNITED STATES

A partnership between San Francisco doctors and the city’s Recreation and Parks Department aims to help people with mental illness and overweight patients. Together with Healthy Parks, Healthy People Bay Area, a collaborative effort between 25 local agencies, SF Rec and Park Department provides professional guides that provide a short interpretive programme designed specifically for each location. Staff carry first aid equipment and are certified in CPR. Physicians involved can prescribe patients a walk in the park three times a week, for instance. Organisers say that not only do they improve health but create better connections between residents, the city’s parks and offers an opportunity to socialise.

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